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Finney County authorizes up to $87.5M bonds, levies 0.5% sales tax and approves 14-acre site for new jail
Summary
Following voter approval, commissioners authorized offering up to $87.5 million in general obligation sales-tax bonds, approved a one-half percent countywide retailer sales tax to pay debt service, and agreed to buy 14 acres from Wheatland Electric for $483,000 as the preferred jail site.
The Finney County Board authorized steps to finance and site a new jail and law enforcement center after a November special election that approved the financing question. The Board approved Resolution 35-2025 authorizing offering for sale general obligation sales tax bonds (Series 2026A) in an amount not to exceed $87,500,000 and authorized the chair to confirm the sale within established parameters. Commissioners also approved Resolution 34-2025 to levy a one-half percent countywide retailer sales tax dedicated to project costs and debt service, with collection to begin April 1, 2026 (or as soon thereafter as permitted by law).
Administrator and bond presenters said the November election returned 2,751 votes in favor and 966 against the sales-tax bond question. Brett Sjogren of Stifel Public Finance presented financing scenarios showing the use of bond premium to create contingency funds and how different coupon/yield choices affect bond sizing and term; he recommended holding some contingency while preserving flexibility to address construction cost uncertainty. Bond counsel confirmed the structure and timing options and noted the chair is authorized to sign the bond purchase agreement under the approved resolution.
Separately, the county approved acquisition of approximately 14 acres from Wheatland Electric Cooperative for $483,000 to site the new jail; the contract includes a fee-simple-determinable clause that would revert title if the property is not used for the jail, with repayment provisions. Funding for the land purchase will come from a designated GL account for LEC construction and will be reimbursed from the new sales-tax proceeds when collected.
Why it matters: Approval authorizes the financing mechanism and the revenue source to pay for construction of a modern jail and law enforcement facility and secures a specific site. Commissioners discussed bond sizing, contingency options, and timing for bond pricing and closing.
Next steps: Bond pricing and final structure will be determined prior to closing (target early March); Stifel will return with a pricing recommendation and staff will continue site due diligence and contract closing steps.
